INTRAOCULAR COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS DIAGNOSED BY SKIN BIOPSY

Objective: To describe ocular findings in 2 patients with disseminated coccidioidomycosis diagnosed by skin biopsy. Methods: The clinical an d histopathologic findings of the 2 patients were reviewed retrospecti vely. Results: One patient had a unilateral, granulomatous iridocyclit is with multiple iris nodules and a large vascularized anterior chambe r mass, in the setting of pulmonary, cutaneous, and skeletal infection by Coccidioides immitis. The second patient developed papilledema and multifocal chorioretinitis accompanied by pulmonary, cutaneous, and m eningeal C immitis infection. In each case, examination of the skin bi opsy specimen revealed C immitis spherules; Treatments included local and systemic amphotericin B and oral fluconazole. Conclusions: Althoug h rare, intraocular involvement can occur in the setting of disseminat ed coccidioidomycosis. A thorough systemic evaluation and biopsy of su spicious skin lesions can aid in the diagnosis.